Diagnosing Varicose Veins in Athletes
Though athletes train hard and work hard, their performance can also take a toll on their bodies. From chronic pain to issues with varicose veins, it’s essential for athletes to take proactive care of their bodies so they can stay in the game and live a healthy life.
Putting Your Vein Health at Bat
Varicose veins typically form because of weakened valves or increased blood pressure in a patient’s veins. However, prolonged sitting or standing can also cause varicose veins, leading to bulging, painful veins which cause pain and can hinder physical performance.
Athletes commonly form varicose veins because:
- They play sports that require their legs to support additional weight over extended periods of time (like weight lifting.)
- They play sports where repetitive motion activities increase the amount of stress in the legs and veins (like running.)
- They play a sport where prolonged periods of sitting cause blood to pool in the lower legs (like cycling.)
- They play a sport where extreme physical contact damages vein valves or breaks existing varicose veins (like football.)
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
However, the early stages of varicose veins don’t always show themselves on the surface of your skin, so it’s best to keep an eye out for other symptoms of vein disease besides simply visible veins.
Some common signs of varicose veins for athletes to be aware of are:
- Painful, achy, or heavy legs.
- Mild swelling in the ankles or feet.
- Throbbing or cramping in the legs.
Preventing Varicose Veins
In addition to caring for your muscles and overall physical wellbeing, it’s important for athletes to care for their vein health as well. Here are some tips to help you manage your veins:
- Avoid foods with high levels of sodium.
- Eat more foods that are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Include rest days and stretching to your routine.
- Visit a vein specialist for a consultation.
Read More: Vein Care and Your Road Map to Better Health
Varicose Vein Treatment in Colorado
As Lone Tree and Colorado Springs’ leading expert in vein disease and treatment, Albert Vein Institute is dedicated to using leading-edge technologies to correct both medical and cosmetic vein issues with shorter recovery times and improved long-term results.
Call our team today to learn more about your treatment options: (303) 857-5111